Public Statements

Remarks at a Stakeout in Cairo

Press Conference

QUESTION: (In progress) heard his conversation with the opposition members. Did you hear anything from them that would suggest that they're going to renounce their boycott of the election and actually take part?

SECRETARY KERRY: No, I heard very passionate people who are deeply committed to Egypt and to their version of the democracy that they fought for in their revolution. And I completely understand that. I wanted to hear from them. I explored their strategy and thoughts.

They're deeply committed to human rights, to democracy, to freedom of expression, and to a real political process in which they feel they have a voice. America supports all of those things. And so listening to them was really important. There was a divergence of views in terms of the adamancy, but they all shared a sense that they needed to be more part of the process, more included, and they recognized the economic challenge, but they believe there's also a need to fill the promise of democracy. And so do we. We believe that too.

So it informs me; I had a very strong meeting with the business community. They feel that the political system needs to move forward. So all of it has been very instructive, and I look forward to now meeting with the Foreign Minister, and tomorrow with President Morsy and having a good and candid conversation about these kinds of issues. Thanks all, appreciate it.